Howl's Moving Castle

by Diana Wynne Jones
Howl's Moving Castle cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1633
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780007380459
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2012-12-06
  • Reviews: 3

In this beloved fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones, Sophie Hatter, a young milliner, finds her life transformed when she encounters the Witch of the Waste, who casts a spell that turns Sophie into an elderly woman. Seeking refuge, Sophie stumbles upon the magical moving castle of the enigmatic wizard Howl, a place of wonder and magic that defies the conventions of time and space. As Sophie navigates this strange new world, she uncovers the secrets of Howl's past, the nature of the curse that binds him, and the truth about her own destiny. Along the way, she encounters a cast of memorable characters, including a fire demon, a bewitched scarecrow, and a prince under a spell. The novel is a rich tapestry of magic, adventure, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a war-torn kingdom.

Reviews
Catherine Rose Gunther · Catherine Rose Gunther · 2024-11-06
charming 4.50

The book is deeply charming and easy to read, with jokes and references that add to its appeal. It's a delightful story that would have been perfect for a child.

Catherine Rose Gunther finds the book to be deeply charming and easy to read, with a mix of humor and whimsy that makes it a delightful experience. She particularly enjoys the jokes and references scattered throughout the story, which add layers of enjoyment. Gunther wishes she had discovered this book as a child, as it feels like a perfect fit for younger readers. The story's charm and simplicity make it a standout, and she appreciates the way it blends fantasy with real-world elements.

Quick quotes

    Overall the book is deeply charming, easy to read and something I wish I had picked up as a child.

    There are jokes and references in it that I really enjoyed.

    It's a delightful story that would have been perfect for a child.

Jeroen's Thoughts · Jeroen · 2023-03-02
whimsical 4.25

The book is a fairy tale novel for younger readers, but it has a relaxing and whimsical quality that appeals to all ages. It's a story where not much happens, but the charm lies in its simplicity.

Jeroen describes the book as a fairy tale novel that, while targeted at younger readers, has a relaxing and whimsical quality that can be enjoyed by all ages. He notes that the story is not particularly eventful, but its charm lies in its simplicity and the way it unfolds. The book's whimsical nature makes it a pleasant read, and Jeroen appreciates the gentle pacing and the way it creates a soothing atmosphere. The lack of intense action is not a drawback but rather a part of its appeal.

Quick quotes

    Howl's Moving Castle is a fairy tale novel for younger readers from the 1980s, but most people are more familiar with Miyazaki's adaptation.

    It's a relaxing, whimsical story in which not much happens.

    The charm lies in its simplicity and the way it unfolds.

Lair of Reviews · 2022-06-05
impressive 4.00

The book impressively blends comedic elements with serious tones, creating a unique and engaging narrative. The characters are well-developed and add depth to the story.

The reviewer is impressed with how the book seamlessly blends comedic elements with more serious tones, creating a balanced and engaging narrative. They find the characters to be well-developed and add significant depth to the story. This blend of humor and seriousness makes the book stand out, and the reviewer appreciates the way it keeps the reader engaged throughout. The characters' interactions and developments are particularly noteworthy, adding layers to the overall experience.

Quick quotes

    Irregardless I was still really impressed with how Howl's Moving Castle blends comedic elements with serious tones.

    The characters were well developed and added a lot to the story.

    The blend of humor and seriousness makes the book stand out.

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